Ron Steele: KWWL-TV, Age, Height, Wife, Retirement and Salary
Ron Steele Biography
Ron Steele is a retired American news anchor best known for his remarkable 51-year career at KWWL, the NBC affiliate serving the Cedar Rapids–Waterloo–Iowa City–Dubuque television market in Iowa.
Steele began his journey with KWWL as sports director, eventually becoming one of the station’s most trusted and enduring on-air figures. In addition to anchoring local news, he provided play-by-play commentary for NBC Sports and ESPN, and was the original voice of the Iowa Television Network, which aired University of Iowa basketball games across the state.
His journalism career extended beyond the sports arena. Steele reported from Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War, was present at the White House when American hostages returned from Iran, and conducted a notable interview with President George H. W. Bush aboard Air Force One.
From 2004 to 2014, Steele also shared his expertise in the classroom, teaching media courses at the University of Northern Iowa for a decade.
Retirement
In April 2024, Steele celebrated 50 years at KWWL, a milestone honored with a week-long tribute on-air, culminating in a 30-minute special highlighting his decades of service and storytelling.
He officially retired on February 27, 2025, marking the end of an extraordinary era in Iowa broadcast journalism. On the eve of his departure, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley recognized Steele’s contributions with remarks on the Senate floor on February 26, 2025, praising his lasting impact on the community and journalism.
Education
Steele earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Speech, and Dramatic Arts from the University of Iowa. He remained actively involved with his alma mater, serving for eight years on the Board of Directors of the University of Iowa Alumni Association, including a term as Board Chair in 2012–2013.
Ron Steele Age
Born in 1950 in Washington, Iowa, Ron Steele is 75 years old as of 2025. His exact date of birth is currently being reviewed.
Nationality and Ethnicity
Ron holds American nationality and was born and raised in Iowa. He is of White-American descent.
Ron Steele Height
He stands at an estimated height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) and weighs approximately 150 pounds (68 kg).
Family Background
Ron was raised in Washington, Iowa, though further details about his parents and siblings remain private and under review.
Wife and Children
Ron Steele is happily married to his wife, Candy Steele. The couple has been together for over 50 years and are proud parents to three grown children—two sons, Ben and Luke, and a daughter, Katie.
Health: Heart Attack and Recovery
In February 2017, Ron suffered a heart attack that required quadruple bypass open-heart surgery. Thanks to his Iowa City medical team and a successful recovery, he returned to work just two months later, in April 2017. Since then, Ron has maintained a consistent daily workout routine and credits the experience with reshaping his perspective on health and life.
Is Ron Steele Retiring from KWWL?
Yes, Ron Steele officially retired from KWWL on February 27, 2025, concluding an extraordinary 51-year career at the station. Steele, a legendary figure in Iowa broadcast journalism, was the longest-serving on-air personality in the station’s history and a trusted voice for generations of viewers across eastern Iowa.
While rumors of his retirement had circulated for some time, the station confirmed his departure with a week-long celebration in April 2024 marking his 50th anniversary. KWWL aired special segments highlighting Steele’s career milestones, including his early days as sports director, his play-by-play work for the Iowa Television Network, his reports from war zones, and exclusive interviews with national leaders.
His final broadcast was met with tributes from colleagues, viewers, and even lawmakers—Senator Chuck Grassley honored Steele with remarks on the U.S. Senate floor just a day before his retirement. Though he has stepped away from the anchor desk, Steele’s legacy continues to inspire journalists throughout the region.
Ron Steele KWWL-TV
Ron Steele is a retired American news anchor best known for his remarkable 51-year career at KWWL, the NBC affiliate serving the Cedar Rapids–Waterloo–Iowa City–Dubuque television market in Iowa.
Since joining KWWL-TV in 1974, Ron has held a wide range of roles, including Sports Director and News Anchor. His sports broadcasting background included calling play-by-play action for NBC Sports and ESPN, covering events such as the Women’s College Basketball Finals and the NCAA Division II Wrestling Finals.
Ron has delivered live coverage from major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, NCAA Basketball Tournament, and the Heisman Trophy presentation at New York City’s Downtown Athletic Club.
In 2013, KWWL launched “The Steele Report”, a weekly public affairs show hosted by Ron that tackled significant regional and national issues. The show ran for 478 episodes, featuring interviews with influential guests, policymakers, and experts, both on-air and online.
One of Ron’s most notable career moments was his exclusive interview aboard Air Force One with President George H.W. Bush, traveling from New Mexico to Iowa ahead of a major address in Des Moines.
In 2011, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honored Ron with the prestigious Silver Circle Award at the Upper Midwest Emmy Awards, recognizing his lifetime contributions to journalism. He has also received multiple Emmy Awards and nominations throughout his distinguished career.
Salary
Ron earned an estimated annual salary of $190,000 as a senior anchor and reporter at KWWL-TV.
Ron Steele Net Worth
With decades of experience in broadcast journalism, Ron Steele has amassed an estimated net worth of $1 million.
